Swimming Lessons

Melissa found a great swim teacher for the kids, and we were lucky enough to get a week of lessons this summer (she's in high demand). This is our week, so the kids go every day for half an hour. They were SOOOO excited about swimming, and even more excited that Maddi and Caleb would be there with them. After a LONG talk about how they had to listen to the teacher (Mrs. Poole, which the kids thought was hilarious), and not spend the whole time goofing off with friends, we headed off to the lesson.
Ethan did great. They strapped on their little supports called "puppies" and jumped in the water. Good so far. Mrs. Poole took out Ethan and he did great, he even doggie paddled for a while with no help. Maddi and Caleb also did great. Ella, hmmm, well, as far as I could tell this is what happened: Ella was doing her legs just right, but when it came time to add arms she didn't quite understand what she was suppose to do. Mrs. Poole said to start her arms, and Ella just said "NO." Mrs Poole and I both thought she was just being mouthy so she let go of Ella's arms and Ella did what she said she would, which was not move her arms. Ella went under water and swallowed a little bit. She was upset and started crying. Being the supportive mother I am, I just thought "served her right for being rude."
Well, it turns out (once I got her quiet by promising her an icecream sandwhich, my good parenting knows no bounds) that she said "No" instead of "I don't understand." She really didn't know what she was suppose to do with her arms. Hopefully that little hiccup is all we have and the rest of the week goes well.
Just wanted to share my latest "Mother of the Year Award" moment of the week.